By Emory Morsberger
LILBURN, Ga. | As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves surrounded by the warmth and joy of family gatherings and feeling the spirit of giving. This time of year is meant for reflection, yet for many worldwide, reflection comes not from blessings but deep hardship. For the people of Ukraine, the winter of 2024 brings not just cold, but continued brutality of war.
We have just learned that due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, HelpingUkraine is hosting a $50,000 matching fund from now until the end of the year. Every dollar you give will be doubled until we reach our goal of $100K! With this news, we can make twice the impact this holiday season.
February will mark three years since the invasion began. Despite this, the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people remain unshaken. My connection to Ukraine runs deep. I first visited in the 1990s, and over time, a personal bond with this beautiful country has transformed into a mission to support its people through their darkest days.
In June 2022, I traveled to Ukraine to deliver tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical supplies to hospitals on the front lines. That trip was a turning point, as HelpingUkraine was born—a grassroots initiative that has grown into an impactful network of donors, volunteers, and partners. Working alongside organizations like Rotary Clubs, FODAC, ProgenaCare Global, Future Promise, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, we have distributed over $4 million worth of medical supplies, equipment, and aid to Ukrainian communities nationwide.
With the help of more than 700 supporters—individuals and organizations alike—we have raised over $1.2 million in donations. These funds directly support Ukrainian children, refugees, and civilians in urgent need.
Winter is now upon us, and the urgency of our new projects is more critical than ever. In cities like Kryvyi Rih, Kherson, and Sumi, where Russian attacks have decimated infrastructure, there is an urgent need for assistance. One of our key projects is the Mobile Hospital, a 20-foot container that operates as a fully-equipped field hospital. These units provide surgical care and essential medical services in the most remote and dangerous areas, where access to traditional facilities is limited or non-existent.
As a father of seven daughters and a grandfather to eleven grandchildren, the thought of losing a loved one in such a senseless conflict hits me especially hard. Recently, I was devastated to learn that one of our volunteers, Maksym, lost his wife, Olena, and their three children when a Russian missile hit a residential building in Kryvyi Rih. Maksym and Olena dedicated their lives to serving others—feeding the homeless, caring for refugees, and supporting orphaned children. As I prepare to spend time with my family this holiday season, I can’t help but think of Maksym and his loss, and the countless families who will not be together this winter.
The war in Ukraine is far from over. As temperatures plummet and hardships mount this winter, we can make a tangible difference. Whether funding mobile hospitals, providing warmth through diesel stoves, or ensuring children have a safe space to heal, your support is greatly needed. Through the kindness of an anonymous HelpingUkraine supporter, we are thrilled to be running a $50k matching fund from now until the end of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity to double the impact of every donation.
Let’s extend our blessings to those who have lost so much. Let’s remind the people of Ukraine that the world has not forgotten them. Together, we can show that even in the darkest times, humanity can shine brighter than any war. Go to HelpingUkraine.us to donate!
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